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Ladies and gentlemen it's time/for all the good that's in you to shine/for all the lights to lose their shade/for all the hate that's in you to fade.

Ladies and gentlemen it's time/for the maracas and the tambourines/to play them until they break or until day break/don't hide anymore its time to be seen.

So: here we are. One more Joystiq Streams before we all become something else, something grand, something new. We'll have almost the entire crew on, most playing, for a little bit of the old Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

The rumors are true, and Joystiq is closing. I had only just started my "Who The Hell Is" series, where I gave a brief history lesson on video game characters such as Johnny Gat. After all, if you're going to be playing a game with the character's name in the title, you want to know who he is, right? So for one last time, let me help you get to know someone.

Say hello to Shulk.

For many players, Shulk's first appearance is not Xenoblade Chronicles - the 2010 Wii game he actually stars in - but Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS. There, Shulk can boost his abilities to become harder, better, faster, stronger. He's also the only character possessing a costume equivalent to Samus' sports bra/short-shorts combo thanks to his form-fitting boxer-briefs.

So, why does Shulk get to change his fighting abilities in a way that no one else can? To answer that, we have to go back. Way back. No, further. To the beginning of the world.

Oh well. So, check out this week's full list of new eShop releases below the break, as well as the last week of Nintendo's Throwback sale here. And a reminder: After 9AM PT/12PM ET on February 5, Metroid Prime Trilogy goes up to a regular price of $20. Get it while it's hot!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanyone-theredrop-zone-under-fireeShopfrenchy-birdgunman-clive-2hellojewel-quest-the-sapphire-dragonmetroidMetroid-Primemetroid-prime-2metroid-prime-3metroid-prime-trilogynintendosamusshadow-of-the-ninjasumicowii-uFri, 30 Jan 2015 12:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/super-smash-bros-wii-u-update-opens-15-new-8-player-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/super-smash-bros-wii-u-update-opens-15-new-8-player-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/super-smash-bros-wii-u-update-opens-15-new-8-player-levels/#comments
Nintendo updated Super Smash Bros. for Wii U today, adding new levels to the game upon which fans can kick the crap out of their loved ones. The update gives players 15 new levels for free, each one for the game's eight-player Smash mode. Nintendo of Japan listed the new stages on its site:

Normal:

Mario Circuit (X)

Luigi's Mansion

Pyrosphere

Norfair

Lylat Cruise

Pokemon Stadium 2

Animal Crossing: Town and City

Animal Crossing: Smashville

Wii Fit studio

Omega:

Mario Galaxy

Mario Circuit (X)

Kirby: The Great Cave Offensive

Lylat Cruise

Pokemon Stadium 2

Town and City

The publisher revealed its latest sales numbers this week, noting that the Wii U's lifetime sales reached 9.2 million consoles. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U sold 3.39 million copies by the end of 2014, topped only by Mario Kart 8's 4.77 million units as the system's best seller last year.

Update: Thanks to a translation error on Nintendo of Japan's page, some of the stages were incorrectly named. We've updated the list.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coursesdlclevelsnintendopatchsmash-brosstagesSuper-Smash-Brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uupdatewii-uThu, 29 Jan 2015 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/nintendo-creators-program-shares-ad-revenue-with-youtube-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/nintendo-creators-program-shares-ad-revenue-with-youtube-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/nintendo-creators-program-shares-ad-revenue-with-youtube-users/#comments
Nintendo unveiled its new revenue-sharing affiliate program for YouTube users, offering up to 70 percent of ad revenue to video makers using Nintendo-copyrighted content. The House of Mario's christened it the Nintendo Creators Program, and users with both Google and Paypal accounts can take the open beta for a spin right now.

The beta is currently offering 60 percent of ad revenue for individual videos attached to the program, and 70 percent for channels. Nintendo will calculate revenue shares on a monthly basis before sending them out to video creators via Paypal. Furthermore, videos and channels have to be approved by Nintendo before the company begins doling out the cash, and the big N says that process can take up to three business days.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendonintendo-creators-programrevenue-claimsrevenue-sharingwiiwii-uyoutubeThu, 29 Jan 2015 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/1-84m-new-3ds-units-shipped-in-2014-wii-u-up-to-9-2m/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/1-84m-new-3ds-units-shipped-in-2014-wii-u-up-to-9-2m/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/1-84m-new-3ds-units-shipped-in-2014-wii-u-up-to-9-2m/#comments
The New 3DS is off to a "good start" according to Nintendo, after the enhanced handheld shipped 1.84 million units by the end of 2014. The company launched the New 3DS and its XL variant in Japan back in October, before bringing them to Australia the following month.

The New 3DS' arrival helped take the "3DS family" beyond the 50 million mark, and as of December 31, 2014, the 3DS total is 50.41 million units shipped worldwide. On the other hand, Nintendo says 3DS sales haven't grown sufficiently in North America and Europe this fiscal year; both regions are waiting for the New 3DS to launch there next month. Between April and December 2014, Nintendo shifted 7.08 million 3DS systems worldwide.

While the Wii U has gathered steam in recent months, it's still tracking a long way behind its handheld sibling. Nintendo shifted 1.91 million consoles worldwide during the busy holiday quarter of October to December 2014, taking its nine-month figures to 3.39 million, As of the end of 2014, its two-year lifetime total is 9.2 mllion systems and 52.87 million software units.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsmario-kart-8new-3dsnintendopokemon-alpha-sapphire-omega-rubysuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dssuper-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uWed, 28 Jan 2015 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/nintendo-sales-tracking-below-forecasts-weak-yen-drives-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/nintendo-sales-tracking-below-forecasts-weak-yen-drives-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/nintendo-sales-tracking-below-forecasts-weak-yen-drives-profit/#comments
Nintendo reduced its annual sales forecast by 6.8 percent today, leading to a 50 percent drop in the projected operating profit for its core business. Nonetheless, the ever-weakening state of the yen is balancing that out by boosting the company's overseas earnings.

According to its revised forecast, Nintendo now expects to earn a net profit of ¥30 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, which converts to around $255 million. That's up 50 percent from the company's previous projections, and a sharp contrast to the $229 million loss posted the previous fiscal year.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfinancialsjapannine-monthnintendonintendo-financialsq3wiiwii-uWed, 28 Jan 2015 06:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyrule-warriors-ships-a-million-celebrates-with-wallpaper-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyrule-warriors-ships-a-million-celebrates-with-wallpaper-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyrule-warriors-ships-a-million-celebrates-with-wallpaper-party/#commentsHyrule Warriors shipped a million units worldwide since it launched last fall, which equates to many, many millions of enemies taken out in the army-mashing crossover. Famitsu reported the milestone today, which we've confirmed with a Koei Tecmo Europe representative.

Koei Tecmo is celebrating like cray by publishing a set of new wallpapers based on the Wii U brawler, and they're not bad desktop bling, it has to be said. Also, there's still plenty of steam in the game's DLC train; Majora's Mask content is due to arrive next week.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyrule-warriorskoei-tecmonintendosalesshipmentswii-uTue, 27 Jan 2015 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/smash-bros-creator-sakurai-also-has-trouble-tracking-down-amiib/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/smash-bros-creator-sakurai-also-has-trouble-tracking-down-amiib/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/smash-bros-creator-sakurai-also-has-trouble-tracking-down-amiib/#comments
If you've been unsuccessful in finding an amiibo of your favorite Super Smash Bros. character, you're not alone. Series creator Masahiro Sakurai recently vented similar frustrations on Twitter, noting that he went home empty-handed when he hit up local retailers in Japan in the hopes of tracking down Meta Knight, Sheik, Lucario, and Rosalina & Luma.

Nintendo of America announced last year that it would phase out many amiibo after an initial print run, leading to shortages and price hikes on secondary markets like eBay and Amazon. The Lucario figure also remains elusive in the weeks leading up to its release in North America, with exclusive distributor Toys R Us recently raising confusion over whether customer pre-orders are still valid.

First-wave amiibo figures Wii Fit Trainer, Villager, and Marth have not yet seen a second print run in North America, leading Nintendo fans to import cheaper equivalent figures from Japan. Amazon additionally sold out of its initial allotment of Sonic the Hedgehog figurines after opening pre-orders last week, hinting at another impending post-launch shortage.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibonintendosuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uMon, 26 Jan 2015 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/#comments
I'm calling it now: the KickstartedAdventures of Pip from developer TicToc Games is going to win cutest game of 2015. I don't care that we're not even to the end of January; Pip is so cute that I want him in a kids' TV show. He's so heart-meltingly precious that I want plush figures and a breakfast cereal themed after him.

Pip is so gawl-darned lovable and sweet that it makes me deeply, deeply angry.

The game's charming aesthetic masks a sinister beast. For despite the playful bounce of our square-shaped hero and the bright colors that surround him, this is a world looking to commit straight-up pixelated murder.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventures-of-pipkickstartermacmicrosoftnintendopaxpax-southpax-south-2015pcplaystationps4tictoc-gameswii-uxbox-oneSun, 25 Jan 2015 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/theatrhythms-new-dlc-beat-stars-the-world-ends-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/theatrhythms-new-dlc-beat-stars-the-world-ends-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/theatrhythms-new-dlc-beat-stars-the-world-ends-with-you/#commentsTheatrhythm Curtain Call continues to ignore its Final Fantasy prefix by adding The World Ends with You music as part of the latest DLC batch. "Twister," the 2007 JRPG's theme song , and "Calling" are two of six new tracks available now in the 3DS rhythm game.

As per the Shibuya-infused DS game, Twister is a Battle Music Sequence in Curtain Call while background tune Calling is a Field Music Sequence. The three other new BMS tunes are "Liberi Fatali" from Final Fantasy 8, "Final Confrontation" from Romancing SaGa 3, and "World Revolution" from Chrono Trigger. The sixth song and second FMS is "Wind Scene," also from Chrono Trigger. All six DLC songs are priced 99 cents (£0.89/€0.99).

To remind yourself of TWEWY's J-pop music - your humble author would argue it's one of the best soundtracks you'll find on the DS - do the Twister again below the break. By the way, don't think the Curtain Call DLC train is stopping just yet. According to Square Enix, the game's next dollop of add-ons is planned to arrive on February 19.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsChrono-TriggerDLCeShopfinal-fantasy-viiinintendorelease-dateromancing-sagathe-world-ends-with-youtheatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-callFri, 23 Jan 2015 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-half-price-punch-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-half-price-punch-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-half-price-punch-out/#comments
You can grab a Little Mac takeaway right now, because Punch-Out!! is on the Wii U eShop with a $10 price tag. Like last week's Wii re-releases, the 2009 boxer is available at 50 percent off in its first week, but be warned: After 9AM PT/12PM ET on January 29 it goes up to $20.

That offer is part of Nintendo's Throwback Sale, which you can check out here along with the last week of the current Super Indie Collection Sale. Otherwise, you'll find the complete list of this week's new eShop releases by ducking and weaving below the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbreezebloxcitizens-of-eartheshopmidnightnintendonintendoware-weeklypunch-outpunch-out-wiiscatundead-storm-nightmarewii-uFri, 23 Jan 2015 07:10:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/moon-chronicles-dlc-episodes-touch-down-on-3ds-february-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/moon-chronicles-dlc-episodes-touch-down-on-3ds-february-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/moon-chronicles-dlc-episodes-touch-down-on-3ds-february-5/#comments
After releasing its first episode last May, Renegade Kid's Moon Chronicles is finally ready to receive episodes two, three and four. Creator Jools Watsham revealed on Twitter that Nintendo has approved the episodes and "it's looking like" all three will hit the 3DS eShop on February 5. A "season pass" will be available for $9 to purchase every episode or, according to Nintendo's Moon Chroniclespage, individual episodes can be had for $4.50 apiece. The first episode, which also includes special VR missions, remains $8.99.

For those who missed its debut last year, Moon Chronicles is a remake of Renegade Kid's DS first-person shooter, Moon, with improved visuals and 3D support. Also, as Watsham points out, the DLC arrives a week before the launch of the New 3DS, which should give players a reason to use that fancy C-stick.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmoonmoon-chroniclesnintendorenegade-kidThu, 22 Jan 2015 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/#commentsSuper Smash Bros Wii U and Melee are two of the nine games already confirmed for this year's Evolution Championship Series. As revealed during last night's Twitch stream, the line-up for Las Vegas this July also includes returning games Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultra Street Fighter 4 and Killer Instinct, The remaining four games are new for this year, and they are Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, Mortal Kombat X and Tekken 7.

Recent years have seen more games added closer to the event, though a roster of nine is already on the high end for an EVO championship. Whatever the full line-up proves to be, it's coming to the Bally's/Paris Las Vegas Casino, where the world's fighting game specialists will duke it out across July 17-19.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2015guilty-gear-xrd-signkiller-instinctkiller-instinct-2013microsoftmortal-kombat-xnintendopersona-4-arena-ultimaxplaystationps3ps4shoryukensuper-smash-bros-for-wii-usuper-smash-bros-meleetekken-7ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3ultra-street-fighter-4wii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/club-nintendo-closing-new-loyalty-program-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/club-nintendo-closing-new-loyalty-program-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/club-nintendo-closing-new-loyalty-program-on-the-way/#comments
'Club Nintendo is dead, long live the new loyalty program,' is the message from Nintendo this morning, after the company announced it's closing its current rewards service. Users in the US and Canada have until the end March to earn Club Nintendo Coins and until the close of June to redeem them, signalling when the service will finally hang up its brown boots.

"We thank all Club Nintendo members for their dedication to Nintendo games and their ongoing love for our systems and characters," said Nintendo of America executive VP Scott Moffit in the company's press release. "We want to make this time of transition as easy as possible for our loyal Club Nintendo members, so we are going to add dozens of new rewards and downloadable games to help members clear out their Coin balances."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamericaaustraliaclub-nintendodseuropejapannintendonintendo-of-americarewardswiiwii-uTue, 20 Jan 2015 05:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/#comments
Bandai Namco offered a new trailer for Project Cars today, the upcoming racing game from World of Speed and Need for Speed: Shift developer Slightly Mad Studios. In development for PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U, the game features both competitive and asynchronous online multiplayer as well as a "freeform career mode" in which players sign endorsements and complete historical challenges. It also supports Oculus Rift, the nVidia Shield and Sony's Project Morpheus on PC and PS4, respectively.

Project Cars was delayed in October to March 2015 following a number of changes to the game's destined platform choices. Its Wii U version was revealed in January 2012, then Project Cars' Xbox 360 and PS3 versions were scrapped in November 2013. The PC, PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game are confirmed to launch on March 17 in North America and March 20 in Europe and Australasian regions, with the Wii U game set to arrive sometime this year.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcomicrosoftnintendopcplaystationproject-carsps4racingSlightly-Mad-Studiostrailerwii-uxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments
And now for something completely similar: Right now you'd need a microscope to find the week-to-week changes in the UK charts. Nonetheless, it's interesting to see Grand Theft Auto 5 stay ahead of traditional front-runners FIFA and Call of Duty, especially since Rockstar's game is a re-release on current-gen. At this new release-less time of year, we'd normally be talking about a 28th consecutive No. 1 for FIFA [Insert Year Here].

The current top three are the same trio that sold the most in the UK last year, though FIFA 15 won out overall in 2014. Moreover, seven of this week's top ten are in the 2014 top ten, and most of those hit store shelves in the second half of the year.

Right, stop that UK charts analysis! It's silly. This week's full top ten can be found below the break, along with the customary music video that's a bit suspect.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4rockstarukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 07:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/robot-chicken-animator-uses-modded-power-glove-for-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/robot-chicken-animator-uses-modded-power-glove-for-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/robot-chicken-animator-uses-modded-power-glove-for-work/#comments
Next time someone tells you that Nintendo's Power Glove accessory was a flop, point them to Dillon Markey, an animator who works on projects like Cartoon Network's Robot Chicken. Markey has been using a modified Power Glove for more than a year now, using it to help him control the devices and software he needs to get the right shot.

But because making the Power Glove feature a Bluetooth keyboard just wasn't enough, Markey's modified version also sports a retractable set of tweezers and a sensor that causes it to speak when given a fist bump. (Unfortunately, the phrase it speaks is unsuitable for print here. But it rhymes with "ducking awesome.")

A short documentary by Ava Benjamin was posted to Vimeo earlier this week, and it shows Markey using and reminiscing about the iconic piece of wearable technology. "I see this and it's like the coolest thing in the world, it's like a cyborg arm," Markey says in the video, which you can watch after the break.

See? The Power Glove wasn't a failure, it was just ahead of its time! Yeah, that's it - 26 years ahead of its time.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ava-benjamindillon-markeynintendopower-gloverobot-chickenstop-motionSun, 18 Jan 2015 21:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/first-4-figures-teases-a-wind-waker-ganondorf-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/first-4-figures-teases-a-wind-waker-ganondorf-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/first-4-figures-teases-a-wind-waker-ganondorf-statue/#commentsFirst 4 Figures, makers of highly detailed - and highly priced - video game collectibles, has set its eyes on the Triforce of Power wielder, Ganondorf. Specifically, the villainous version which originally appeared in 2003's The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Though maybe you prefer the 2013 HD remaster?

The company released a small teaser image to whet fans' appetites via their Facebook page this week, and those so tempted to make the evil-doer a part of their collection will be able to pre-order the figure starting on January 20. The figure's price has yet to be revealed.

Just Add Water, developer of Oddworld: New 'n Tasty, is getting ready to distribute the remaining ports for its revisit of the series' origins, and Steam users are next in line. A cloud save-compatible version of New 'n Tasty will be offered on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam on February 25 for $20 (£15, €20). A 10 percent discount will also be available for those that place pre-purchases, though further details and recommended specs will be shared at a later date.

The related press release also notes that PS3 and Xbox One arrivals will follow sometime in early March, and a note from the Oddworld Staff states that the above versions will feature post-launch improvements that have been made to the existing PS4 version, including "old school" control settings.

Series creator Lorne Lanning assured fans the remaining ports were being "adamantly worked on" about two months ago. At that time, Lanning also spoke of problematic limitations concerning the Wii U hardware, but the post from Oddworld Staff explains that work "continues on the Wii U and PlayStation Vita versions," adding that "recent progress is encouraging."

If you're wondering whether all this waiting and extra development time is really worth it for a remake, consider Sam Prell's review of the PS4 version: "This HD remake is more than a simple reskin of nostalgia, and offers a compelling adventure with contemporary design that will satisfy most anyone's puzzle-platformer appetite."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/rock-band-survey-hints-at-modern-console-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/rock-band-survey-hints-at-modern-console-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/rock-band-survey-hints-at-modern-console-sequel/#comments
Following the recent release of the series' first new DLC in nearly two years, it appears that Harmonix might be gearing up for a new entry in its Rock Band series, if an online survey is anything to go by.

"Hello friends! You should fill out this important Rock Band survey," reads a tweet from the official Rock Band Twitter account. "Sharing the link is encouraged. DO IT NOW!" The link attached to that message leads to a three-page survey regarding your history with the Rock Band series to date. It's pretty typical stuff - What Rock Band game did you play most?, Which console do you use to play Rock Band?, etc. - but the third page is where things get interesting.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps4rock-bandRock-Band-3surveywii-uxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/3d-after-burner-2-m2s-quest-for-port-perfection/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/3d-after-burner-2-m2s-quest-for-port-perfection/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/3d-after-burner-2-m2s-quest-for-port-perfection/#comments
"Arcade-perfect" is a term that was bandied about in the '80s and '90s as developers struggled to port state-of-the-art arcade games to significantly less powerful console hardware. Compromises were made, features were removed, and many ports that were billed as "arcade-perfect" still needed to be scaled back quite a bit compared to their cabinet counterparts.

These days, consoles boast enough horsepower to emulate classic games at a software level - virtually recreating arcade hardware in order to run original programming code, rather than porting graphics, sound, and gameplay components from scratch. Purists argue, however, that straightforward emulation lacks a certain appeal specific to original hardware. Playing the classic racer Daytona USA using an Xbox 360 controller, for instance, is a vastly different experience compared to sitting in the cockpit of the original arcade cabinet and gripping a force feedback-equipped steering wheel that fights you at every turn.

Arcade-perfect ports still elude many publishers. Japanese porting studio M2, however, sets its sights higher than mere perfection.

M2's 3D After Burner 2, released in the Nintendo 3DS eShop in North America this week, is more than an arcade-perfect port. Not only does it make great strides toward simulating the look and feel of a classic arcade game, but it also improves on the game's original design in ways that its creators planned but never fully achieved. The result is perhaps the first "complete" look at After Burner 2 as it was originally envisioned, and it's a rare treat for classic gaming enthusiasts.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-23dsafter-burner-2arcadem2nintendoportsegaFri, 16 Jan 2015 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-direct-japan-new-rhythm-heaven-style-savvy-games-anno/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-direct-japan-new-rhythm-heaven-style-savvy-games-anno/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-direct-japan-new-rhythm-heaven-style-savvy-games-anno/#comments
Nintendo fans in Japan saw a slightly different Nintendo Direct presentation earlier this week than their compatriots in North America and Europe, as the company revealed a handful of upcoming Japanese games that are unlikely to see release elsewhere in the world.

First up is a 3DS Rhythm Heaven compilation that collects a large number of music-driven minigames featured in previous series entries. The collection will feature 30 new minigames in addition to 70 graphically updated stages previously seen in Rhythm Heaven, Rhythm Heaven Fever, and the Japan-only Game Boy Advance series debut Rhythm Tengoku.

A new Style Savvy sequel is also in the works, following up on predecessor games released stateside on the DS and 3DS. Girls Mode 3, as it's called in Japan, will offer fashion-focused gameplay that challenges players to manage their own boutique and create ensemble outfits for picky customers.

Other games featured exclusively in Japan's Nintendo Direct presentation include the HAL Labs-developed 3DS puzzle-platformer Hako Boy (Box Boy), 3DS RPG The Legend of Legacy, cross-platform online mahjong sim Yakuman Houou, and Rodea: The Sky Soldier, a 3DS and Wii U aerial action game created by Yuji Naka's studio Prope.

Games omitted from the North American and European Nintendo Direct presentations are not currently scheduled for release in either region.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbox-boygirls-mode-3hako-boynintendorhythm-heavenrodea-the-sky-soldierstyle-savvythe-legend-of-legacywii-uFri, 16 Jan 2015 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/#commentsMario Kart 8 sold 1.7 million copies in 2014 both digitally and at retail in the United States according to the NPD Group, Nintendo revealed in a press release. The publisher also noted that Super Smash Bros. for Wii U sold 1.3 million copies during the year, though sales of the company's amiibo figurines were "nearly twice" that of Nintendo's Mario brawler on Wii U. Nintendo said that total hardware and software sales increased "by more than 29 percent and more than 75 percent, respectively, over sales in 2013." As of December, the publisher said that amiibo sales were "approximately equal" to that of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Outside of Super Smash Bros, the physical incarnations of Mario, Pikachu and other Nintendo icons don't have much to do on their plastic pedestals. While they transform into teachable, collectible opponents in Nintendo's flagship brawler, tapping an Amiibo toy into Mario Kart 8 or Hyrule Warriors is a one-step process to unlock a minor in-game item.

Nintendo has created a more substantial cameo - bordering on reverent - for the Amiibo line in Code Name: S.T.E.A.M, the oddball 3DS strategy game from developer Intelligent Systems. If you happen to own a Fire Emblem Amiibo and tap it in, warriors Marth, Ike, Robin and Lucina are summoned into Code Name's steam-powered war against aliens. They each have unique attacks, animations and can be an integral part of your strategy.

Hardware sales saw a slight drop to $1.31 billion in December compared to the $1.37 billion earned during the same period last year. Annual hardware sales for 2014 peaked at $5.07 billion, however, representing a 20 percent increase over the $4.24 billion reported in 2013.

Fine... we'll put down our arm-wings and stop runningaround the room, but only to tell you 3D After Burner 2 is out on the eShop today. The latest in Sega's 3D-enhanced Classics range includes 23 stages, new difficulty settings, visual additions like smoke transparency, and multiple arcade cabinet styles.

Also, there's a new "special mode" that's unlocked after you beat the game. In it, shooting down planes builds up a meter that, when full, lets you slow down time to avoid attacks and take down foes with ease. So it's a bit like the Climax Gauge in After Burner Climax, or Neo in The Matrix. Whichever you prefer.

Alright, that's too much time not playing Human After Burner. Don't worry, we've included the full list of new eShop releases below the break and you'll find all the new eSales here.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-23dsafter-burner-2best-of-mahjongelectronic-super-joyeShopfamily-tennis-splufia-the-legend-returnsnintendonintendoware-weeklyquell-mementosoccer-up-onlinespace-life-danger-panicuwordsmithwii-uwrc-fia-world-rally-championshipThu, 15 Jan 2015 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/nintendo-of-america-addresses-lack-of-non-xl-new-3ds-systems-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/nintendo-of-america-addresses-lack-of-non-xl-new-3ds-systems-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/nintendo-of-america-addresses-lack-of-non-xl-new-3ds-systems-bu/#comments
Yesterday's announcement of a North American release date for the New Nintendo 3DS XL left a few unanswered questions for fans looking forward to the platform's non-XL hardware variant. Today, Nintendo addressed those concerns.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dshardware-bundlenew-3dsnew-nintendo-3dsnew-nintendo-3ds-xlnintendoThu, 15 Jan 2015 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/the-timely-tweaks-in-majoras-mask-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/the-timely-tweaks-in-majoras-mask-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/the-timely-tweaks-in-majoras-mask-3d/#commentsThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask will be nearly 15 years old by the time it returns in remastered form in February, coinciding with the launch of Nintendo's New 3DS XL. First released for the Nintendo 64, the unorthodox adventure has since steeped in praise for its strict structure and melancholy premise. Traveling back and forth through time, the hero of Majora's Mask helps the doomed inhabitants of Clock Town escape their final 72 hours, just days before they're crushed by an evil head from outer space. It's almost the saddest Star Trek episode.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoremakesthe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-3dsThu, 15 Jan 2015 11:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/styluses-at-the-ready-etrian-mystery-dungeon-hits-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/styluses-at-the-ready-etrian-mystery-dungeon-hits-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/styluses-at-the-ready-etrian-mystery-dungeon-hits-in-april/#comments
Atlus crossover Etrian Mystery Dungeonwelcomes map-makers and roguelike-ramblers on April 7. as shown in yesterday's news-stuffed Nintendo Direct. It's $40 for the pleasure of more chartwork, and Atlus is chucking in a free soundtrack with pre-orders and a "limited first-run printing." The new due date applies to North America's retail shelves and eShop, and there's no word yet on a European release.

To see how Etrian Mystery Dungeon fuses its franchises, check out the latest trailer below the break. The 3DS game draws character classes and skill trees from the Etrian Odyssey series, while the randomly-generated dungeons and the top-down monster-mashing have a distinct Mystery Dungeon flavor. It's still an Etrian game, however, so you can expect to scribble out some maps on the 3DS' bottom screen.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsatlusetrian-mystery-dungeonetrian-odyssey-and-the-mystery-dungeonnintendorelease-datespike-chunsoftThu, 15 Jan 2015 06:50:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/nintendo-direct-wrap-up-new-3ds-on-feb-13-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/nintendo-direct-wrap-up-new-3ds-on-feb-13-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/nintendo-direct-wrap-up-new-3ds-on-feb-13-and-more/#comments
Today's Nintendo Direct dropped some huge news for both the Wii U and the upcoming New 3DS. The biggest announcement is that the New 3DS, which features a second analog stick, faster processor, amiibo support and a number of other improvements, will arrive in North America on February 13. The basic bundle, available in red or black, will retail for $199. Nintendo also revealed special Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition and Majora's Mask bundles, the latter of which is apparently already sold out at GameStop. Friendly reminder, these bundles do not include an AC adapter, presumably with the expectation that early adopters will be upgrading from the current 3DS models.

In other big news, Wii games are coming to the Wii U eShop starting today with Super Mario Galaxy 2. Each game will be available for half price ($10) during its first week of availability. To put that another way, you can snag Metroid Prime Trilogy on January 29 for the ridiculously low price of $10.

Find a breakdown of all the Nintendo Direct news, as well as a heaping helping of trailers, after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-directwiiwii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/splatoon-makes-a-mess-of-the-wii-u-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/splatoon-makes-a-mess-of-the-wii-u-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/splatoon-makes-a-mess-of-the-wii-u-in-may/#comments
Fulfilling a claim made in November's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo has revealed that its third-person ink shooter Splatoon will reach the Wii U at some point in May.

Alongside the release window confirmation, Nintendo also mentioned that the game features a central "plaza" that links Splatoon's various game modes and allows players to customize their weapons and gear. Below you'll also find a gallery of new screenshots pulled from the vibrant action game.

After more than two years of wondering when Nintendo would finally do the obvious thing, embrace modernity, and allow games for the Wii be downloaded directly from the Internet into the Wii U, it delivered. Super Mario Galaxy 2, Punch-Out!!, and Metroid Prime Trilogy are the very first Wii games downloadable from the eShop. The latter two won't be available until later this month, but since Joystiq never turns down an opportunity to explore mini-planetoids and options for force-feeding dinosaurs hot peppers, we're going to check out Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Joystiq Streams.

Our understanding is that these releases haven't been changed in any significant way, but Nintendo's digital releases always include odd quirks. For example, who expected the Virtual Console version of Metroid Fusion to include a full color reproduction of the instruction manual? We'll see what secrets may be hidden in Galaxy 2.

Tune into Joystiq.com/Twitch at 4:00PM EST to check out how the downloadable Wii games feel on the machine. Joystiq.com/Twitch broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00PM, but when we get the itch to stream, we do it! So follow us on Twitch to know when we go live.

When asked during Nintendo's October 2014 investor question and answer session why the New Nintendo 3DS wouldn't release outside of Japan in time for the holidays, company president Satoru Iwata was blunt. "The overseas markets are different from the Japanese market in both their stages of popularization of Nintendo 3DS and their market characteristics," said Iwata. "Nintendo 3DS is still at an earlier stage of popularization in these two markets." In other words: We haven't sold enough of the old ones. Maybe if enough people buy the old ones for Christmas, we'll give you the fancy new jazz with its improved screen, its extra shoulder buttons, amiibo support, and that extra analog nub.

Just two weeks into 2015, Nintendo confirmed that the New Nintendo 3DS XL will come to the United States and Europe in February. It will cost a cool $199. Of course, that's if you already have an AC adapter to actually power the thing. New Nintendo 3DS XL-whether the red, black, or Majora's Mask edition-doesn't come with a power cord, which is $10 on its own. That's an expensive upgrade for a machine that Nintendo believed wasn't selling enough in the West already, and even more so for existing owners lusting after the new toy.

The upgrade is demonstrable, though. For my part, the lure of portable Xenoblade is enough to convince me to take the plunge. I love Monolith Soft RPGs, though, and their game is currently the only New 3DS exclusive announced. If it enough for you to get the New 3DS? Take the poll, discuss in the comments.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjoystiq-discussionnintendothe-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-3dsWed, 14 Jan 2015 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-party-10-throws-an-amiibo-get-together-on-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-party-10-throws-an-amiibo-get-together-on-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-party-10-throws-an-amiibo-get-together-on-march-20/#commentsMario Party 10 will launch on March 20, Nintendo revealed today. The publisher showed off the new "amiibo Party Mode" for the game during its Nintendo Direct presentation this morning, adding compatibility for Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario series figures. Nintendo noted that the mode requires at least one amiibo, though other players can link their own figures to the game to use their respective characters as game pieces and access game boards inspired by the characters.

Nintendo also announced that a limited edition version of Mario Party 10 will arrive on Wii U that same day, packing in a Mario amiibo figure with the party game. The game's latest trailer shows off both the amiibo Party Mode and the game's Bowser Party mode.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibobundlegameplay-trailermario-partymario-party-10mini-game-collectionmini-gamesnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015party-gamerelease-datescreenshotstrailervideowii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-vs-donkey-kong-is-the-first-nintendo-cross-buy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-vs-donkey-kong-is-the-first-nintendo-cross-buy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-vs-donkey-kong-is-the-first-nintendo-cross-buy-game/#commentsMario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is Nintendo's first cross-buy game, meaning anyone who buys it on 3DS gets the Wii U version as well, and those who buy it for Wii U get the 3DS version. Tipping Stars is due out on March 5.

The 3DS is consistently Nintendo's best-selling console, while the Wii U is historically slower to sell, though a rush of acclaimed games near the end of 2014 did boost sales.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscross-buymario-vs-donkey-kong-tipping-starsnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015wii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 11:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-slides-to-february-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-slides-to-february-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-slides-to-february-20/#commentsKirby and the Rainbow Curse will launch on February 20, Nintendo confirmed today. The latest in the platforming series was previously expected to launch on February 13. Additionally, the publisher offered a new gameplay trailer for Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, seen above. Nintendo first unveiled the game during its E3 2014 Nintendo Direct presentation.

In it, players trace colorful lines on the Game Pad to guide Kirby and transform the fluffy pink character into a tank, submarine and rocket. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse will receive amiibo support, as Nintendo revealed in December. Players that link up a Kirby, King Dedede or Meta Knight amiibo with the Wii U game will unlock special powers for Kirby.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibodelaygameplay-trailerkirbykirby-and-the-rainbow-cursenintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015release-datetrailervideowii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 10:43:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-limited-edition-3ds-launches-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-limited-edition-3ds-launches-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-limited-edition-3ds-launches-next-mon/#commentsMonster Hunter 4 Ultimate will launch on February 13 worldwide, Capcom announced during this morning's Nintendo Direct livestream. The game will be accompanied by its own themed (new) 3DS XL, featuring a brushed silver cover and blue logo.

The latest Monster Hunter game launches on the same day as the standard, red and black versions of the new 3DS. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan) is the updated version of Monster Hunter 4, which first launched in September 2013 in Japan. 4G reached Japan in October 2014.

Update: Nintendo offered a new trailer for the game, found after the break. Additionally, GameStop announced that the Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate 3DS XL will be exclusive to the retailer, and is available for pre-order today. The system will come with the game pre-loaded on it for $230, and customers will have to pay for the bundle in full upon pre-ordering it.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmonster-huntermonster-hunter-4monster-hunter-4-ultimatenew-3dsnew-3ds-xlnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015release-dateWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:56:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/majoras-mask-new-3ds-coming-february-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/majoras-mask-new-3ds-coming-february-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/majoras-mask-new-3ds-coming-february-13/#comments
With the launch of the New 3DS XL stateside, there will also be a Majora's Mask 3D limited edition released on February 13. The bundle will feature a gold-tinted New 3DS XL featuring five of the game's masks, which transform Link into various characters from the Majora's Mask universe. The remastered Nintendo 64 game will launch on February 13 as well.

Hopefully we'll have more than three days to snag it before an angry moon crashes into us.

Update: The unit appears to be sold out at GameStop, currently listed as "not available."